[04/13/09 - 03:02 PM]Sundance Channel Circles the Globe with a New Slate of Original Feature Documentaries for 2009 and 2010Sundance Channel is committed to "presenting high-quality, informative and entertaining nonfiction films exploring a wide range of issues."

[via press release from Sundance]

SUNDANCE CHANNEL CIRCLES THE GLOBE WITH A NEW SLATE OF ORIGINAL FEATURE DOCUMENTARIES FOR 2009 and 2010

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

New York - April 6, 2009 - Sundance Channel SVP, Original Programming and Development Lynne Kirby today announced a slate of original documentary features to air on the network in the second half of 2009 and 2010. Sundance Channel is committed to presenting high-quality, informative and entertaining nonfiction films exploring a wide range of issues, and this slate represents a special focus on international issues.

"Together this slate of extraordinary documentaries reflects the spirit of Sundance Channel and its commitment to approaching political, cultural and environmental issues with a smart and sophisticated eye, and to celebrating the work of supremely talented filmmakers. I'm also excited to be working with a number of international producing partners like Arte, Danish Broadcasting Corporation, BBC and CBC to continue to bring a global perspective to our audiences," comments Kirby.

ORIGINAL FEATURE INTERNATIONAL DOCUMENTARY SLATE FOR 2009 and 2010:

BURNING ICE (2010)

Using Albert Einstein's idea that "You cannot solve a problem with the same kind of thinking that created the problem", The Cape Farewell Project brings together 40 scientists, artists, musicians, photographers and writers (including Moby, Laurie Anderson, Brian Eno, KT Tunstall and others) to journey to the Arctic Circle and experience first hand the issues surrounding global warming. They learn from each other, influence each other and stimulate ideas and the production of art founded in scientific research. Burning Ice documents their adventurous voyage and the art created during and after their journey. Directed by Emmy� Award winner Peter Gilbert and produced by Cactus Three.

CITIES ON SPEED (2010)

This four part mini-series explores the uncontrolled growth in megacities such as Mumbai, Bogota, Shanghai and Cairo and the difficulty of planning for the future in these cities which are likely to double their populations over the next 30 years. There is an acute need for new models of sustainable city planning to prevent cities from collapsing under huge social, economic and environmental pressures. Cities on Speed is produced by award-winning directors and producers in collaboration with the Danish Film Institute and Danish Broadcasting Corporation/DR2.

EVENTUAL SALVATION (2009)

This personal story of hope and redemption takes us from Jim Crow America to Liberia and back. Having barely escaped with her life over a decade ago, the filmmaker's American born 80-year old grandmother returns to Monrovia, Liberia to rebuild her home and community after the devastating Liberian civil war. Eventual Salvation is the story of Amma's journey home to help rebuild the country that gave her a second chance. Through Amma, we meet her circle of friends and walk with them as they search for personal salvation while Liberia itself struggles for deliverance from ten tumultuous years of civil war. Supported by the Sundance Documentary Fund, Eventual Salvation is directed by Dee Rees and produced by Dee Rees and Nekisa Cooper.

MY KIDNAPPER AND ME (2010)

In 2003 Mark Henderson was one of eight backpackers taken hostage by Marxist guerrillas while trekking in the Colombian jungle. What had started as an innocent tourist adventure ended up as 101 terrifying days of captivity and uncertainty about his future. After being contacted out of the blue by a former kidnapper, Mark Henderson and two others who were kidnapped return to Colombia to learn why they were taken, who held them, what happened to secure their release, the impact of the kidnappings on Colombia, and most importantly, to gain a greater understanding of "kidnapping". Directed by Mark Henderson and produced by Renegade Pictures (The Yes Men Fix the World, Boys from Baghdad and The Shock Doctrine).

PABLO'S HIPPOS (2010)

When drug trafficking first appeared in Colombia 30 years ago it was seen as a lucrative blessing. However it quickly became a curse that has negatively impacted every aspect of Colombia's life � society, politics, economics, the military and the environment. "Pablo's Hippos" recounts this absurd and paradoxical 30-year story as perceived through the eyes of Pablo, a hippopotamus who was once the extravagant pet of Colombia's most powerful drug trafficker, Pablo Escobar. Directed by Antonio Von Hildebrand, produced and co-directed by Lawrence Elman and executive produced by Stephen Hopkins.

RIO BREAKS (October 2009)

More than just a film about surfing, Rio Breaks is the story of two best friends, Fabio and Naama, young teenagers navigating their way between the pitfalls of life in the slums and the joys of surfing on their favorite beach. They live at Favela do Pavao, an enormous slum near Arpoador Beach, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Pavao is home to Commando Vermelho (CV), or Red Command, one of Rio's most heavily armed drug gangs. Their presence is ubiquitous, with armed soldiers constantly patrolling the hills and regulating the various points of sale. For many of these favela kids, surfing means spending time in the water and away from the poverty and violence of the hills. It means being in an environment where everyone's the same, away from the racism and inequality that permeates day-to-day life in Rio. Produced and directed by Justin Mitchell, written and produced by Vince Medeiros and produced in association with Forward Entertainment and Prodigo Films.

STOLEN LAND (2010)

Stolen Land chronicles the efforts of a close-knit, traditional Colombian indigenous community, the Nasa, as they fight for land and resist violence through non-violent means in the midst of their country's long war. Lucho, chief of the indigenous guard � the baton-bearing civil resistance organization � believes in non-violence but in a country steeped in violence, his belief is tested to its very core. Supported by the Sundance Documentary Fund, Stolen Land is produced by Margarita Martinez and Miguel Salazar.

WASTE: THE NUCLEAR NIGHTMARE (2010)

As the world wakes up to the dangers of global warming, industrialists and some politicians are presenting nuclear power as the energy of the future � clean, under control and safe for human health and the environment. As supporters and opponents rekindle the debate over nuclear power, the issue that remains at the heart of the matter is everyone's fear of radioactive waste. Drawing on a broad range of experts worldwide, this enlightening documentary investigates both the science and politics of nuclear waste. Directed by Eric Gu�ret, produced by Sophie Parrault and executive produced by Linda Saetre for Bonne Pioche (March of the Penguins).

SUNDANCE CHANNEL

Under the creative direction of Robert Redford, Sundance Channel is the television destination for independent-minded viewers seeking something different. Bold and uncompromising, Sundance Channel offers audiences a diverse and engaging selection of films, documentaries, and original programs, all unedited and commercial free. Launched in 1996, Sundance Channel is subsidiary of Rainbow Media Holdings LLC. Sundance Channel operates independently of the non-profit Sundance Institute and the Sundance Film Festival, but shares the overall Sundance mission of encouraging artistic freedom of expression Sundance Channel's website address is www.sundancechannel.com.

RAINBOW MEDIA HOLDINGS LLC

Rainbow Media Holdings LLC is a subsidiary of Cablevision Systems Corporation (NYSE: CVC). Rainbow Media is a leading producer of targeted, multi-platform content for global distribution, creating and managing some of the world's most compelling and dynamic entertainment brands, including AMC, IFC, WE tv, Sundance Channel and VOOM HD Networks. Through IFC Entertainment, Rainbow Media also owns and manages the following: IFC Films, a leading distribution company for independent film; IFC Productions, a feature film production company that provides financing for select independent film projects; and IFC Center, a three screen, state-of-the-art cinema in the heart of New York's Greenwich Village. Rainbow Media also operates Rainbow Advertising Sales Corporation, its advertising sales company; Rainbow Network Communications, its full service network programming origination and distribution company; and 11 Penn TV, a company that manages Rainbow Media's NYC studios and post-production facilities.